RoadVitals

2020 Ford F-250 Sd Engine Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the engine system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Engine reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
29
Latest Aug 11, 2026
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
11%
of 260 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
0
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
0

What this page shows

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2020 Ford F-250 Sd submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 29 reports on file name it.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Owner reports naming engine

The 25 most recent of 29, in the owner's own words

EngineFuel system
Filed Aug 11, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-250 SD. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V957000 (Fuel System, Diesel); however, while driving 40 MPH approximately two months later, the vehicle was running rough and stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed with a high-pressure fuel pump failure, causing the fuel system to become contaminated. The dealer determined that the fuel system needed to be replaced. The dealer submitted a diagnostic report to the manufacturer. The contact notified the manufacturer of the failure, and a case was filed. The vehicle was not repaired and was pending the manufacturer's decision regarding the coverage of the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000.

NHTSA ID
11756201
Incident
Jul 15, 2026
Mileage
103,000 mi
EngineFuel system
Filed Mar 31, 2026

Vehicle experienced loss of power while in travel down a mountain. After inspection by a mechanic, CP4 pump had a catastrophic failure sending metal shards throughout the fuel system. This was less than a month after Fords SAFETY RECALL 24S78 that failed to remedy the problem, but before recall Number26V158 was issued.

NHTSA ID
11728380
Incident
Mar 11, 2026
EngineFuel systemSteering
Filed Feb 9, 2026

While driving cross country, my dash warning light came on and said " In 50 miles your vehicle will lose power and you won't be able to drive more than 5 mph. DEF problem". I spent $70,000 on this vehicle used with 50K miles on it. Recall from 2024, this is unacceptable. Now another recall for steering. The steering column disengagement. I am afraid to drive it. The dealer keeps telling me no fix yet. FORD has no email to complain. I am not sure what can be done. This is my first FORD, never again.

NHTSA ID
11716649
Incident
Oct 30, 2025
EngineFuel system
Filed Oct 12, 2025

On October 3, 2025 our 2020 Ford F250 King Ranch 6.7 diesel broke down with no start and check engine light. We contacted Ford. We towed the vehicle, at our expense to the dealership we purchased it from approximately one year ago on October 6, 2025. I contacted Ford on October 3, 2025 and received a claim number. On October 7, 2025 the Ford dealership contacted us to inform us the high pressure fuel pump catastrophically failed. It cracked the pump housing. It is a 12,000.00 repair. It is a safety recall. The pickup on has approximately 56,000 miles. The 5 year power train warranty ended September 15, 2025. I have contacted Ford twice sense January 0f 2025 to see if there was a resolution to this recall and they stated there is no fix as of this time. The dealership and I have contacted Ford Customer Service several times. I have left several messages for the representative handling our case and was promised call backs but never did. On October 10, 2025 there was a new case generated due to the lack of communication. Both the dealership and I were promised a call back and we did not receive one. We use this pickup for work and we are losing income. I asked for a loaner and I was told that was not possible. I pulled a Carfax on this pickup and found that possibility this vehicle was bought back twice. When we purchased it, the service record give to us did not show that information. We would like for the repairs to be completed in a timely manner. The dealership stated on October 8, 2025 that the entire fuel system would need to be replaced and could have it completed in three business days. I am not feeling comfortable knowing the pickup has been bought back from Ford two other times and not informing us. Also I am worried it may have caused engine damage.

NHTSA ID
11692966
Incident
Oct 3, 2025
EngineFuel systemPowertrain (other)
Filed Sep 18, 2025

My 2020 Ford F-250 King Ranch with a 6.7L V8 Turbo Diesel engine experienced severe engine failure while I was driving. The engine was completely destroyed and had to be replaced. My warranty company paid to install a new engine into the truck, but did not pay to have the remaining components fixed that were directly damaged by the engine failure. There was severe damage done to the fuel pump, DEF system, and wiring harnesses that caused the truck to be permanently into a mode called "LIMP Mode" which electronically governs the truck to 50 MPH. There was and still is an unresolved recall on the truck. The recall is as follows: #24S78 POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE SOFTWARE UPDATE BIODIESEL DEPOSIT ACCUMULATION. The NHTSA number is: NHTSA: #24V957. There were absolutely zero (0) warning signs that alerted me that this was an issue before the engine failed. No alerts or warning lamps were illuminated on the truck before it failed. All i got was a letter in the mail stating that the engine could fail due to this components and that there is no known solution to fixing the problem. This issue caused my engine to fail while I was driving to work. There are issues with the truck still that were directly caused by this issue that the warranty will not cover INCLUDING this recalled component that has no available solution. I have a 2 month old son and a wife that rely on me having this truck. I have risked the safety of my family, and others on the roads, unknowingly by operating this truck on the roads. I am asking that Ford Motor Company be held Liable for all damages to my truck, and the repurchase of the truck for full price. This is unacceptable from a company as big as Ford Motor Company.

NHTSA ID
11688169
Incident
Aug 7, 2025
Engine
Filed Aug 13, 2025

Engine making heavy ticking noise from front of engine because of a cracked oil pump gear and the front main seal is now weeping oil. Ford is aware of this known issue as a TSB. Afraid to drive truck because I normally haul a large travel trailer into the mountains and the technician said the oil pressure could drop causing the motor to seize up.

NHTSA ID
11680497
Incident
Jul 17, 2025
EngineFuel systemPowertrain (other)
Filed Jul 26, 2025

My truck lost power on the Highway. Had to coast down the off-ramp and ended up blocking a turning lane when the engine failed to start back up. Called a someone to tow me back to my house and parked it where it’s been there for months since Ford has not yet issued a solution to the recall.

NHTSA ID
11676362
Incident
Apr 19, 2025
EngineFuel system
Filed Jul 11, 2025

While driving on the interstate, my truck began to lose power and decelerate. A fuel pump and engine warning light appeared. I began to lose power steering while decelerating. When I finally stopped and the truck turned off, I tried restarting which resulted in a cranking noise and was not successful in starting. I had to contact a towing company for assistance and my truck has been undriveable since this date (7/6).

NHTSA ID
11672666
Incident
Jul 6, 2025
EngineFuel system
Filed Jun 17, 2025

High Pressure Fuel Pump Failure: On [XXX] While driving on the highway our 2020 F250 Super Duty Vin # [XXX] experienced a complete and sudden loss of power in the fast lane, creating an extremely dangerous situation. Our safety and the safety of others were at risk due to us merging across 4 lanes in heavy traffic with no power steering and no motor function, parking in a very narrow shoulder area and requiring a tow from the highway. After towing and a diagnostic evaluation, it was determined that the high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failed, a known safety concern with a recall issued our truck being built in Kentucky on August 2, 2020 The cost of repairs are around $15,000. This vehicle is housed at a local diesel mechanic, and is available for inspection upon request, and has not been inspected by anyone currently. When will this recall be remedied? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11667426
Incident
May 20, 2025
EngineFuel system
Filed May 27, 2025

The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-250. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V957000 (Fuel System, Diesel); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the high-pressure fuel pump had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 113,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID
11663108
Incident
May 27, 2025
Mileage
113,000 mi
ElectricalEngine
Filed Jan 28, 2025

The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while stopped in the driveway, the vehicle shut off and failed to restart. The hill assist, traction control, brake, fuel empty, and the engine overheating warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle went into battery-saving mode. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a claim and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 139,000.

NHTSA ID
11638997
Incident
Jan 19, 2025
Mileage
139,000 mi
Engine
Filed Jan 17, 2025

THIS MAY RESULT IN A LOSS OF MOTIVE POWER, WHICH INCREASES THE RISK OF A CRASH NO FIX FOR A PROBLEM THAT MAY CAUSE A CRASH? FORD HAS NO SOFTWARE TO FIX A PROBLEM THAT COULD CAUSE A CRASH? YET I STILL CAN DRIVE VEHICLE? I NEED HELP

NHTSA ID
11636625
Incident
Jan 17, 2025
Engine
Filed Jan 2, 2025

The contact called on behalf of her husband who owns a 2020 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while her husband was driving on the highway at 70 MPH, the vehicle stalled, with the “Low Power Mode” message displayed, and within 3-5 seconds there was a large cloud of smoke coming from the front end of the engine bay, and the vehicle proceeded to slow down. The driver pulled over onto the side of the highway. The vehicle was not able to be restarted; however, while attempting to restart the vehicle there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed. The contact was advised that the high-pressure fuel pump was faulty and had exploded, causing metal shards to enter the engine. The contact was informed that the engine and the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 175,000.

NHTSA ID
11633751
Incident
Nov 30, 2024
Mileage
175,000 mi
EngineFuel system
Filed Jan 2, 2025

The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-250. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle sputtered and lost power. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact stated that a mobile mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V957000 (Fuel System, Diesel); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

NHTSA ID
11633589
Incident
Dec 15, 2023
Mileage
200,000 mi
Engine
Filed Dec 18, 2024

Ref: Ford Customer Satisfaction Program 24B27 VIN: [XXX] I own a 2020 Ford F-250 that is part of the above program. I have not been contact by Ford to have my truck software updated. I am concerned for my families safety driving this truck. The software update for my truck was to be available October 1st of 2024. What can I do to get this update done? [XXX] / [XXX] / [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11631405
Incident
Oct 1, 2024
EnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Oct 9, 2024

The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while accelerating from a stop, the vehicle lurched forward and hesitated to accelerate. Additionally, while driving at various speeds, the transmission randomly shifted gear and the gear selector failed to match the gear selection. During the failure, the check engine warning light was illuminated, and the “WRENCH” symbol was displayed. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V197000 (POWER TRAIN). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 65,000.

NHTSA ID
11618838
Incident
Sep 9, 2024
Mileage
65,000 mi
EngineFuel system
Filed May 14, 2024

The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 40 MPH, another driver on the road informed the contact that the vehicle was leaking diesel fuel with an abnormally strong diesel odor. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that an unstated filter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and remained with the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 64,000.

NHTSA ID
11588780
Incident
May 9, 2024
Mileage
64,000 mi
Engine
Filed Mar 23, 2024

Intake Manifold failure. 2/5

NHTSA ID
11579024
Incident
Mar 19, 2024
ElectricalEngine
Filed Dec 28, 2023

The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-250. The contact stated that after turning the ignition switch to the off position and removing the ignition key, the engine remained running. Additionally, the maintenance wrench icon illuminated, and the warning message "Reduced Power Mode" was displayed. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 50,000.

NHTSA ID
11562267
Incident
Dec 26, 2023
Mileage
50,000 mi
Engine
Filed Mar 30, 2023

There is a pinging noise coming from engine. Sounds like a loud lifter(s)

NHTSA ID
11514682
Incident
Mar 30, 2023
EngineFuel system
Filed Dec 27, 2022

The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-250. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH with the Adaptive Cruise Control activated, the vehicle started shuddering and lost motive power. The message "Engine Failure" was displayed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with high-pressure fuel pump failure. The dealer diagnosed that the fuel injectors, the high-pressure fuel pump, and the fuel lines needed to be replaced, Additionally, the Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) fuel tank needed to be cleaned. The dealer informed the contact that the repair was covered under warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 20,942.

NHTSA ID
11499037
Incident
Dec 3, 2022
Mileage
20,942 mi
Engine
Filed Nov 9, 2022

Engine developed ticking noise. After doing research many 250 7.3 owners are describing same ticking noise with their vehicles

NHTSA ID
11492841
Incident
Oct 12, 2022
Engine
Filed Jan 31, 2022

The contact owns a 2020 Ford F-250. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 mph on the highway, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle went into limp mode causing the speed to suddenly reduce to 30 MPH. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer who diagnosed that the failure was due to an engine software update. A software update was performed but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and the NOX sensor was replaced; however, the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that an engineer would be sent to examine the vehicle. No further information was available. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was 72,000.

NHTSA ID
11449507
Incident
Nov 8, 2021
Mileage
72,000 mi
EnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Jul 20, 2021

Severe hesitation when accelerating from a crawl. There is a definite issue with either the 10 speed trans or the throttle.

NHTSA ID
11425611
Incident
Aug 26, 2020
EngineFuel systemPowertrain (other)
Filed Apr 23, 2021

MOTOR HAS A NKOCKING TAPPING SOUND LIKE AND OLD SCHOOL TYPE WRITER AND GETS LOUD AT TIMES WHEN IDELING AND SOME TIME REALLY LOUD ANFTER DRIVING IT FO RW WHLLE, (DIESEL ENGINE DOESN'T SOUND LIKE THAT),FORD ENGINEERING AT FACTORY KNOWS WHAT THE PROBLEM IS BUT REFUSES TO ALLOW DEALERSHIP TO REPAIR IT AND REPLACE THE PARTS. TRANSMISSION HAD SNECOR AND VALVE BODY GO OUT CAUSED TRANSMISSION TO LOCK UP IN 10TH GEAR AND STALLING OUT. DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE PARTS WITH NEW ONES, BU TDID NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM AND NOW STALLES AND SLIPPES WHEN SHIFTING GEARS, OR SOMETIMES SHIFTS SO HARD IT SHAKES THE TRUCK (F250 DIESEL). HAS A GRINDING NOISE WHEN DOWN SHIFTING FROM 5,4,3 GEARS. WHEN DRIVINING THE TRUCK AND GO TO PASS AROUND ANOTHER VEHICLE IS SLIPS GEARS ARE STALLES DOWN UNTIL IT CAN CATCH ITS GEAR TO GO HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES. VEHICLE ONLY HAS 6,500 MILES ON IT AND WAS PURCHASED AUGUST 26, 2020 AND SHOULD NOT HAVE THESE ISSUES AND PROBLEMS. MOST OF ALL THE FACTORY ENGINEERS SHOULD NOT DENY THE DEALERSHIP TO FIX AND REPLACE WHAT IS WRONG AND CAUUSING THE LOUND AND UPNOGCHIS KNOCKING TICKING SOUND EVEN AFTER DOING A BLACK BOX FLIGHT RECORDER TO DETERMINE WHERE THE PROBLEM IS COMING FROM. THEY SAID TO KEEP DRIVING UNTIL ENOUGH COMPLAINTS COM IN TO HAVE A RECALL SENT OUR ARE UNTIL IT BRAKES AND GOES OUT. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD TO EVERYONE ON THE ROAD AND COULD POSSIBLY CAUSE HARM TO INISANT PEOPLE, SUCH AS MYSELF, MY FAMILY, AND OTHERS OUT ON THE ROAD. PLEASE HAVE THIS LOOKED INTO AND HELP GET IT TAKEN CARE OF.

NHTSA ID
11413605
Incident
Aug 31, 2020
Mileage
150 mi

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

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